A hotspot for live music venues and surrounded by natural beauty, this port city is an exciting hub of Scottish culture and art.
Glasgow stretches along the River Clyde with art nouveau and Victorian architecture among contemporary art and cultural spaces. Visit Glasgow and on any one day you could discover the paintings of Dutch Old Masters, explore edgy street art and study dinosaur skeletons. Along the way, the UNESCO City of Music offers acclaimed entertainment and a thriving food scene.
Time your trip with the annual Glasgow International Comedy Festival or the World Pipe Band Championships. A gift from Japan, cherry blossom trees burst into bloom across the city in spring. Along with Christmas markets and ice rinks, the winter festive season brings fabulous shows to iconic venues such as the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
Things to do in Glasgow
As you explore the Glasgow City Centre, follow the Mural Trail to see brilliant urban artworks across walls and rail arches. Discover statues of famous Scots in George Square and get ready to shop till you drop nearby. Largely pedestrianised, Buchanan Street, Argyle Street and Sauchiehall Street join Princes Square for retail therapy. It’s hard to miss the medieval majesty of Glasgow Cathedral. Go inside to see stunning stained-glass windows.
Stroll through the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, with the wrought iron-framed Kibble Palace glasshouse that’s home to the national collection of tree ferns. If you’re travelling with children, there’s a playground and plenty of green space for running around. Continue to the riverside walk and you’ll reach Kelvingrove Park and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
On the outskirts of the city, Pollok Country Park has been home to herds of Highland cattle since 1830. Walk across the network of trails through parklands and woodlands. Then, admire the Burrell Collection in an award-winning building in the centre of the park. Among around 9,000 objects, you’ll see works from Rodin and late medieval art.
History and culture in Glasgow
Set aside a few hours to visit the oldest public museum in Scotland, The Hunterian. Fascinating collections include medieval armour and ethnographic items from Captain Cook’s voyages. Thousands of exhibits display everything from French Impressionist paintings to a taxidermy called Sir Roger the Elephant. GoMA is the home of the city’s vast modern and contemporary art collection, located in Royal Exchange Square.
Transport fans flock to the Riverside Museum, with a three-masted, 1896 sailing ship called the Glenlee moored outside. Head inside to gaze at steam engines and tramcars among vintage car displays. Set in Glasgow Green, the city’s oldest public space, the People’s Palace offers a glimpse at Glasgow’s social history with interactive displays and photographs. For something unique that’ll thrill kids and big kids alike, visit Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre. Animated kinetic installation art pieces perform inspiring shows, telling stories with synchronised sound and light.
Dining and nightlife in Glasgow
When you visit Glasgow, be sure to try all the Scottish classics, such as haggis then cranachan for dessert, in traditional pubs. Or indulge at fine dining restaurants where international dishes are made with fresh, seasonal produce. Take a guided food walking tour through the lively West End or simply take your appetite to Ashton Lane. The cobbled, pedestrian street is lined with restaurants, pubs, bars and a cinema.
Merchant Square is another drinking and dining hub that hosts events and fairs on the weekend. Catch a live music concert at a dazzling array of venues. The OVO Hydro hosts many of the world’s top performers. Book tickets at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for classical and traditional music. From rocking nightclubs to whisky bars and basement pubs, nightlife in and around the city centre is among the UK’s best.
Getting around Glasgow
Fly into Glasgow Airport and drive or take the express bus service to be in the city centre in about 15 minutes. With the subway, trains and buses, Glasgow’s public transport system ensures it’s easy to get around. However, the city centre is compact and walkable, with many attractions close to hotels. Bike rental and share systems are available should you decide to make use of the network of cycling trails to see the sights on two wheels.